Statistics on child care in Australia show that the majority of children under the age of two are cared for by relatives. However, this statistic is misleading, as there are many other sources of care. These include informal, home-based, Nannies, and ECEC. In addition, it is important to note that children under two are more likely to have care from a relative or unrelated person.
Informal child care
Informal childcare statistics in Australia show that the majority of children who attend childcare facilities do so because of a parent’s employment. Nonetheless, there are also other reasons why a parent may use this type of care. In a survey conducted in 2011, more than half of employed single parents had some type of formal arrangement for child care. This situation causes logistical problems for parents and makes child care unreliable, which can put a parent’s employment at risk. Further, since informal care arrangements are unregulated, they are not subject to any quality control requirements.
Informal care is often described as non-regulated care and is available for both paid and unpaid services. This includes home-based care as well as paid services provided by nannies and babysitters. Although these services are not regulated in Australia, the sector has become increasingly affordable, thanks to government subsidies and other initiatives.
Nannies
The latest Statistics on child care in Australia show that the number of vacancies in Australia’s child care sector has reached record levels. Despite a record-low unemployment rate, many children are not able to find a place to go. In some locations, the waiting list is more than 100 children long.
The number of children in care in Australia varies across age groups. The oldest children in care are usually under six years old. For children under five years old, the majority of children are cared for by their parents.
ECEC
This study examines the use of ECEC services in Australia, focusing on children attending licensed programs. Although the focus is on ECEC, the research also considers general information about children. The sampling frame is stratified by location and service type. The sample is further restricted by child age and density. The study also excludes minor forms of ECEC, early childhood inclusion services (ECIS) and restrained licenses in Victoria, which represent only a small proportion of licensed programs.
The statistics show that the use of ECEC is shaped by various conditions. This includes migrant family circumstances, gender norms, and access to employment. The most important of these conditions is migrant status, which affects access to cash benefits, flexible work arrangements, and leave. However, the research also highlights the need to improve support for migrant families. These migrants are most in need of ECEC, especially those who are marginalized.